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`EXHIBIT 1013
`EXHIBIT 1013
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`

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`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0012719 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jan. 18, 2007
`HOller
`
`US 200700 12719A1
`
`(54) SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DISPENSING
`INDIVIDUAL SERVINGS OF FLAVORED
`AND ENHANCED WATER
`
`(75) Inventor: Thomas D. Holler, Glastonbury, CT
`(US)
`Correspondence Address:
`3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
`PO BOX 33427
`ST. PAUL, MN 55133-3427 (US)
`(73) Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/421,553
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jun. 1, 2006
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/686,604, filed on Jun.
`2, 2005.
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`B67D 5/08
`(2006.01)
`B67D 5/14
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 222A61
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Novel systems and methods for operatively utilizing nutri
`ent/flavor impregnated media(s) operatively contained in
`devices, such as, for example, product structures or the like,
`capable of introducing the nutrients/flavors in a single
`serving (4-12 oz) dose packets, or multiple servings, such as,
`for example, a pitcher (up to 64 oz) or a gallon or half
`gallon of flavored and enhanced water operatively connected
`to complimentary dispensing system, presently preferably,
`tied to a water filtration device, such as, for example, bottle
`less water coolers and one that could be mounted inside a
`refrigerator dispensing system, and the manufacture of Such
`low cost media(s) and dispensing systems.
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 1 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 2 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 3 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 4 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 5 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 6 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 7 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 8 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 9 of 15
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`Patent Application Publicati
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`Awake Wavy a
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 11 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 12 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 13 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 14 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 15 of 15
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`US 2007/0012719 A1
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`Jan. 18, 2007
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`SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DISPENSING
`INDIVIDUAL SERVINGS OF FLAVORED AND
`ENHANCED WATER
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`0001. This application is a continuation-in-part of com
`monly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
`60/686,604, filed Jun. 2, 2005, of Holler, entitled “SYS
`TEMS AND METHODS OF DISPENSING INDIVIDUAL
`SERVINGS OF FLAVORED AND ENHANCED WATER,”
`the disclosure of each is herein incorporated by reference to
`the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
`0002 The subject disclosure relates to innovative sys
`tems and methods of dispensing servings, individual and/or
`multiple, of flavored and enhanced water, more particularly
`to media(s) capable of introducing nutrients/flavors in single
`servings (4-12 oz) or multiple servings, such as, for
`example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oZ), or a gallon or half gallon
`and/or pharmaceuticals in a single serving (1-2 oZ) dose
`packet, the media(s) being operatively contained in appro
`priate means or structure Such as, for example, packets/cards
`or similar devices/structures as may be found to accomplish
`the desired function, operable with the dispensing systems
`and methods and most particularly to complimentary dis
`pensing systems and methods operatively associated with or
`without a water filtration device for dispensing the indi
`vidual servings (4-12 oz) or multiple servings, such as, for
`example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oZ) or a gallon or half gallon
`or more of flavored and enhanced water and/or pharmaceu
`ticals individual serving (1-2 oZ) to consumers.
`0003) Noncarbonated water based beverage consumption
`is on the rise. The fastest growing segment is the enhanced
`water group, which ranges from vitamins to nutraceuticals to
`just flavor additives. This segment has grown from about
`USS 41.5 million in sales for 1997 to about USS 985.3
`million in sales for 2002 with 2004 projections being about
`USS 1.8 billion. Drinking water filter systems have been
`sold for over 30 years and have enjoyed a steady increase in
`popularity following the growth of bottled water consump
`tion. Worldwide, bottled water consumption is growing at an
`annual rate of about 12 percent.
`0004 Enhanced waters, a subset of the single-serve water
`segment, reported the greatest growth figures—albeit off a
`Small base of about USS 80 million for 2001 with about a
`205.8 percent growth to reach about USS 244.6 million in
`sales for 2002. (Source: Beverage Marketing Corporation)
`0005 Individual serving size and personnel vending are
`becoming very popular in the US, whereas in Europe and
`Asia they have been very popular for many years. Most
`recently, the single cup (bean to cup) coffee makers pro
`duced by the entire major US and European brands (Milita,
`Bunn, Krupp, P&G, etc.) have become popular. Individual
`pods of fresh ground coffee are used costing the customer
`about 10 to about 15 times more for a cup of coffee than
`from an auto drip coffee maker. The above was calculated
`based on the following: a 39 oz can of ground coffee at a
`price of about $5.85 yields about 175 cups of coffee or about
`S0.033 to about S0.045 per 6 oz cup, depending on how
`much coffee one puts into the machine. The pods retail for
`about S0.50 per cup.
`
`It is believed that the consumer acceptance of this
`0006.
`tremendous increase in cost is driven by a desire for con
`venience, flavor and versatility, and the notion that one is
`saving money over the high cost of specialty coffee-shop
`coffee. This approach appears to be great for the millions of
`consumers that only drink one or two cups of coffee a day.
`0007 Concerning bottled water, Coca-Cola's Dasani is a
`mineral enhanced bottled water, which has a slightly grainy
`appearance, actually has a Somewhat pleasant taste, unlike
`many other bottled waters which taste like plastic. Addi
`tionally, Canadian O-2 Berry Citrus flavor bottled water is
`clearly a very refreshing flavored water. Canadian O+2
`Berry Citrus flavor bottled water has about 5 times the
`normal concentration of oxygen, a refreshing citrus?berry
`flavor and a very subtle, but sweet, flavor. The splash of
`natural fruit flavoring is just the thing—not too much, not
`too little. Overall, a very refreshing beverage that offers the
`benefit of added oxygen.
`0008 Rescue Vitamin Water is truly the gem of this
`variety. Flavored with green tea, this beverage has a potent
`tea flavor that will quickly quench any thirst. Further, it is
`fortified with several vitamins and herbs (from the tea) that
`will put you in a calm and pleasant state within the first few
`S1ps.
`0009 Red Bull is a utility drink to be consumed when
`faced with mental or physical weariness or exhaustion. Red
`Bull combines two natural Substances and important meta
`bolic transmitters, the amino acid taurin and glucuronolac
`ton, with stimulating caffeine, Vitamins and the energy
`provided by carbohydrates. The two most popular brands of
`sport drinks with metabolic transmitters are Gatorade and
`Power Ade.
`0010. The sale of drinking water systems is believed to be
`mainly based on fear, doubt and uncertainty. Most sales
`personnel however, would not admit that they use those
`tactics. For filtered water to gain the popularity that most
`knowledgeable professions believe is possible, water filtra
`tion systems have to be transformed from systems that just
`remove unwanted or unnecessary elements and compounds
`from water, to systems that enhance health, wellness, well
`being and life style, as well as offering convenience and cost
`savings over the available alternatives. Adding additional
`performance enhancement claims to an existing water filter
`system has driven the sellers need for differentiation, but
`consumers do not recognize or understand the enhancement/
`performance claims. Simple filters with simple performance
`claims that consumers recognize are the reduction of chlo
`rine, taste & odor, sediment. In addition, to a lesser extent,
`claims such as cyst and lead reduction are less consumer
`recognizable. Now performance enhancing claims include
`chemicals like Carbofuran, 2,4-D, chlorobenzene and tetra
`chloroethalene, which unless you are a chemist working in
`consumer products, you would not know or recognize any of
`these chemicals. However, all are chemicals listed on the
`EPA's primary list of hazardous materials. Filter manufac
`turers select from the EPA’s list those chemicals most easily
`removed with the media they use to manufacture their
`particular products, while sellers want to be able to say that
`their particular filtration system provides additional chemi
`cal removal or provides something different to enhance the
`product for the system in order to reduce price competition.
`0011 Consumer filtration systems have been estimated to
`be about a $2+ billion dollar market. Drinking water filtra
`
`

`

`US 2007/0012719 A1
`
`Jan. 18, 2007
`
`tion systems make up less than about 25% or about $450
`million (Frost & Sullivan & Baytel) of the total estimated
`amount, while the refrigerator filter market has jumped from
`nothing in 1998 to an estimated S300+ million in retail
`dollars in 2004; 30 years of selling fear, doubt and uncer
`tainty versus 5 years of selling convenience. Filtration has
`been successfully added to high-end coffee machines offer
`ing enhanced flavor.
`0012. It is estimated that, by 2006, every major refrig
`erator manufacturer will likely have incorporated a water
`filter system into those refrigerator models that dispense
`water and/or ice. It is also estimated that about 50% of the
`total 30 million unit yearly global refrigerator output could
`have a built-in water filter system, with the US market fast
`approaching the 50% mark in mid 2004. The average life of
`a refrigerator is about 10-12 years. Less than 15% of the US
`and European refrigerator markets are for new units with the
`balance being replacement market. Asia, mainly China and
`India, are less reliant on the refrigerator replacement market.
`With the US having between 107-116 million house holds
`and a production rate of 9 million refrigerators a year (with
`imports making up only a 2% share), the US refrigerator
`market will most likely be saturated by 2012, with a market
`potential (at today's retail price) of about S3 billion, or about
`S600 million manufacturing dollars.
`0013) Of the 59 million French, the issue of obesity is
`becoming increasingly important. In France, it is estimated
`that about 5.4 million French are now considered obese, an
`increase of 1.1 million within only three years. Of the about
`300 million Americans, about 23% are now considered
`obese by body mass. With this in mind, it would appear that
`bottled waters and low calorie flavored waters are facing
`much better times ahead than Sugary Soft drink products.
`0014. The cost of bottled water has, until recently, not
`been a major consumer issue. However, 40,000 16 oz bottles
`of water can be transported by truck at a cost of about
`S20/cwt interstate and about S60/cwt intrastate, which adds
`about S0.20 to about S0.60 per bottle cost. Storage, trans
`portation and retail shelf space are all increasing further
`affecting the selling price and profit of bottled waters.
`0.015 The systems and methods of the present disclosure
`including the devices/appliances and Supportive impreg
`nated medias envisioned capitalizes on the fastest growing
`segments Surrounding the filtration industry, that being fil
`tration in appliances and enhanced non-carbonate waters.
`Both segments are growing at a rate of about 400.0% to
`about 50.0% per year while drinking water stand-alone
`systems only manage 12% or less.
`0016. When compared to the competitive product, bottled
`water, the systems and methods of the present disclosure
`including the device/appliance and Supportive impregnated
`medias envisioned, require no lugging or storing of cases of
`water, no wasted time or expense mixing up a half gallon to
`get one drink, although such could be accomplished utilizing
`the concepts and teachings of the present disclosure, is
`readily available when an individual wants it, is variable on
`demand and can be nutritional and beneficial to a healthy
`fast paced life style.
`0017 What is needed are innovative systems and meth
`ods for transferring ingredients in a Solid/semi-solid State to
`a liquid Such as; for example, water wherein the ingredients
`
`are sufficiently dissolved into the liquid/water. Such systems
`and methods may include a transfer device operative for
`transferring ingredients in a solid/semi-solid State to a liquid
`Such as water wherein the ingredients are sufficiently dis
`solved into the liquid. Possible ingredient transfer devices
`include, but are not limited to, media(s) capable of being
`impregnated and/or permeated and/or infused with a nutri
`ent/flavor and/or pharmaceutical, which when placed into a
`steam of liquid Such as water can introduce the nutrients/
`flavors in a single serving (4-12 oz) dose or multiple
`servings, such as, for example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oZ.)
`and/or the desired pharmaceuticals in a single serving (1-2"
`oZ) dose, the media(s) being operatively contained in appro
`priate means or structure Such as, for example, packets/cards
`or similar devices/structures as may be found to accomplish
`the desired function. Further, a complimentary dispensing
`system and associated methods may be useful when opera
`tively associated with a water filtration device, which may
`include, but is not limited to, stand alone dispensing sys
`tems, OEM version dispensing systems for inclusion into
`bottled water and bottle less water coolers, vending
`machines, faucets and refrigerator dispensing system and
`other similar systems as may become available in the future,
`the media(s) and dispensing systems should be manufac
`tured at a reasonably low cost in order to be competitive in
`the market place.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
`0018. The present disclosure provides innovative systems
`and methods of dispensing servings, individual and/or mul
`tiple, of flavored and enhanced water, more particularly to
`media(s) capable of introducing nutrients/flavors in single
`servings (4-12 oz) or multiple servings, such as, for
`example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oZ), or a gallon or half gallon
`and/or pharmaceuticals in a single serving (1-2 oZ) dose
`packet, the media(s) being operatively contained in appro
`priate means or structure Such as, for example, packets/cards
`or similar devices/structures as may be found to accomplish
`the desired function, operable with the dispensing systems
`and methods and most particularly to complimentary dis
`pensing systems and methods operatively associated with or
`without a water filtration device for dispensing the indi
`vidual servings (4-12 oz) or multiple servings, such as, for
`example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oZ) or a gallon or half gallon
`of flavored and enhanced water and/or pharmaceuticals for
`individual servings (1-2 oz) to consumers.
`0019. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a
`system for transferring sufficient amounts of any one of a
`plurality of selected ingredients to a liquid comprising: a
`product structure, the product structure including structure
`capable of storing Sufficiently controlled amounts of any one
`of the plurality of selected ingredients therein for controlled
`release upon Sufficient contact with a liquid; and a liquid
`enhancing transfer mechanism, operative to house the prod
`uct structure and to facilitate the flow of liquid to the product
`structure and to transfer the resultant mixture from the
`product structure to a remote location.
`0020. In yet another embodiment of the present disclo
`Sure, a method for transferring sufficient amounts of any one
`of a plurality of selected ingredients to a liquid comprising
`the acts of providing a product structure; storing Sufficient
`amounts of any one of the plurality of selected ingredients
`in the product structure; providing a Supply of a liquid;
`
`

`

`US 2007/0012719 A1
`
`Jan. 18, 2007
`
`providing a liquid enhancing transfer mechanism, operative
`to house the product structure and to facilitate the flow of
`liquid to the product structure from the liquid Supply and
`from the product structure to a remote location; initiating the
`flow of liquid from the liquid supply to the product structure:
`upon sufficient contact with the liquid from the liquid
`Supply, releasing a Sufficient amount of the stored ingredi
`ents into the liquid to form a mixture thereof, and transfer
`ring the resultant mixture from the liquid enhancing transfer
`mechanism to the remote location.
`0021. Other objects and advantages of the present dis
`closure will be apparent from the following description, and
`the accompanying drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0022. So that those having ordinary skill in the art to
`which the subject disclosure pertains will more readily
`understand how to make and use the filtration assembly of
`the subject disclosure, preferred embodiments thereof will
`be described in detail herein below with reference to the
`drawings, wherein:
`0023 FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic representation of
`one of a plurality of possible liquid enhancing transferring
`mechanisms according to the present disclosure;
`0024 FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic representation of
`one possible alternative embodiment of a plurality of pos
`sible liquid enhancing transferring mechanisms according to
`the present disclosure;
`0025 FIG.3A is a top view of the representative embodi
`ment of the liquid enhancing ingredient transferring mecha
`nism product structure of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to the
`present disclosure;
`0026 FIG. 3B is a side view of the representative
`embodiment of the liquid enhancing ingredient transferring
`mechanism product structure of FIG. 3A;
`0027 FIG. 3C is a front view of the representative
`embodiment of the liquid enhancing ingredient transferring
`mechanism product structure of FIGS. 3A and 3B;
`0028 FIG. 3D is a perspective schematic view of the
`representative embodiment of the liquid enhancing ingredi
`ent transferring mechanism product structure of FIGS.
`3A-3C:
`0029 FIG.3E is a perspectives schematic view with parts
`removed to reveal the porous media of the representative
`embodiment of the liquid enhancing ingredient transferring
`mechanism product structure of FIGS. 3A-3D:
`0030 FIG. 4A is a top view of another of the plurality of
`possible representative embodiments of the liquid enhancing
`ingredient transferring mechanism product structure of
`FIGS. 1 and 2 according to the present disclosure;
`0031 FIG. 4B is a side view of the representative
`embodiment of the liquid enhancing ingredient transferring
`mechanism product structure of FIG. 4A;
`0032 FIG. 4C is a front view of the representative
`embodiment of the liquid enhancing ingredient transferring
`mechanism product structure of FIGS. 4A and 4B;
`0033 FIG. 4D is a perspective schematic view of the
`representative embodiment of the liquid enhancing ingredi
`ent transferring mechanism product structure of FIGS.
`4A-4C:
`
`0034 FIG. 4E is a perspectives schematic view with parts
`removed to reveal the porous media of the representative
`embodiment of the liquid enhancing ingredient transferring
`mechanism product structure of FIGS. 4A-4D:
`0035 FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of one a
`plurality of possible representative embodiments of a system
`for utilization of the liquid enhancing transferring mecha
`nism according to the present disclosure;
`0036 FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of another
`of the plurality of possible representative embodiments of a
`system for utilization of the liquid enhancing transferring
`mechanism according to the present disclosure;
`0037 FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of another
`of the plurality of possible representative embodiments of a
`system for utilization of the liquid enhancing transferring
`mechanism according to the present disclosure;
`0038 FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic view of an
`alternative embodiment of the system for utilization of the
`liquid enhancing transferring mechanism according to FIG.
`7.
`FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic view of another
`0.039
`of the plurality of possible representative embodiments of a
`system for utilization of the liquid enhancing transferring
`mechanism according to the present disclosure;
`0040 FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view of another
`of the plurality of possible representative embodiments of a
`system for utilization of the liquid enhancing transferring
`mechanism according to the present disclosure;
`0041
`FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic view of another
`of the plurality of possible representative embodiments of a
`system for utilization of the liquid enhancing transferring
`mechanism according to the present disclosure;
`0042 FIG. 12 is a perspective schematic view of another
`of the plurality of possible representative embodiments of a
`system for utilization of the liquid enhancing transferring
`mechanism according to the present disclosure; and
`0043 FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic view of yet
`another of the plurality of possible representative embodi
`ments of a system for utilization of the liquid enhancing
`transferring mechanism according to the present disclosure.
`
`ENABLING DESCRIPTION OF
`REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS
`0044) The present disclosure is directed to systems and
`methods for transferring ingredients in a solid/semi-solid
`state to a liquid, Such as, for example, water wherein the
`ingredients are sufficiently dissolved into the liquid/water.
`Possible representative ingredient transfer devices include,
`but are not limited to, media(s) capable of being impreg
`nated and/or permeated and/or infused with a nutrient/flavor
`and/or pharmaceutical, which, when placed into a steam of
`liquid Such as water can introduce the nutrients/flavors in a
`single serving (4-12 oz) dose or multiple servings. Such as,
`for example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oZ) and/or the desired
`pharmaceuticals in a single serving (1-2+ oZ) dose, the
`media(s) being operatively contained in appropriate means
`or structure Such as, for example, packets/cards or similar
`devices/structures as may be found to accomplish the
`desired function. Further, a complimentary dispensing sys
`
`

`

`US 2007/0012719 A1
`
`Jan. 18, 2007
`
`tem may be useful when operatively associated with a water
`filtration device, which may include but is not limited to,
`stand alone dispensing systems, OEM version dispensing
`systems for inclusion into bottled water and bottle less water
`coolers, vending machines, faucets and refrigerator dispens
`ing systems, the media(s) and dispensing systems should be
`manufactured at a reasonably low cost in order to be
`competitive in the market place. The systems and methods
`of the present disclosure could function with or without the
`water filtration component.
`0045 One uniqueness of the present innovation is the
`ability of the product structure construction in concert with
`the dispenser to overcome the typical obstacles and incon
`veniences of dry power packets and tablets (currently on the
`market) which are difficult to dissolve, requiring extensive
`shaking or stirring, and poor packaging. Also current packets
`are more conducive to spilling of the ingredients as one tries
`to introduce them into a glass or bottle of water, than
`directional control. Finer and finer powders are being used
`to improve speed of dissolution, but also cause ingredients
`to be introduced into the air causing eye, nose and throat
`irritation as well as a dusting out problem of Surrounding
`fixtures.
`0046 Representative dispensing systems, both as stand
`alone devices, and as OEM versions are presently envi
`sioned for inclusion into bottled water and bottle less water
`coolers as well as Systems capable of being mounted inside
`refrigerator dispensing systems, the systems including low
`cost media(s) operative for dispensing the single serving
`(4-12 oz) dose packets to consumers via the dispensing
`systems.
`0047 Although the present innovation is envisioned to
`operate as a stand-alone device, enhancing the process with
`selective filtration offers multiple advantages. The dispens
`ing mechanism can be a useful clean water outlet as found
`in refrigerators, water coolers and drinking water systems,
`dispensing quality drinking water without enhancements,
`flavors or nutraceuticals. The other useful purpose is the
`influence filtered water has on the dissolution rate of the
`ingredients. Lowering the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) or
`the cleaner the water the more rapid and complete the
`dissolution of the ingredients. As depicted in the examples
`below.
`0048 For Residential markets
`0049 Week Acid Cation (WAC) resin and Activated
`Carbon
`0050 or Reverse Osmosis
`0051) For Commercial markets
`0.052 Carbon/Sediment/WAC
`0053 or Reverse Osmosis
`0054 For Medical markets
`0055 Reverse Osmosis+UV
`0056 and/or Deionization
`0057 The System
`0.058
`Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate
`representative systems for transferring Sufficient amounts of
`ingredients, such as for example, liquid flavoring, Vitamins,
`
`minerals, medicine to the liquid/water according to the
`present disclosure and includes at least one ingredient trans
`ferring mechanism for enhancing liquids. One presently
`preferred representative liquid enhancing ingredient trans
`ferring mechanism 20 includes, but is not limited to, at least
`one mechanical fill control device 22, at least one ingredient
`insertion device or housing 24 having at least one means or
`structure for receiving incoming liquid/water 26 operatively
`connected thereto, at least one means or structure for deliv
`ering flavored water to a remote location 28 operatively
`connected thereto and at least one means or structure for
`operatively receiving and housing an ingredient transfer
`device 32 Such as, for example, a product structure, the
`product structure 32 being about the size of a credit card,
`although any size and shaped device that sufficiently per
`forms the desired function, Such as, for example, being
`insertable into an access structure or slot 30, such as, for
`example, a slot, access panel, door cover, or other equivalent
`structure Such that once the liquid enhancing ingredient
`transferring mechanism 20 is activated by an affirmative
`action including, but not limited to, pushing a button, pulling
`a lever, etc., see FIGS. 5-13. Such action results in the
`movement of the liquid from the incoming water Supply to
`and operatively through the ingredient transfer device 32
`Such that the ingredients contained in the ingredient transfer
`device 32 are substantially transferred to the liquid, the thus
`ingredient enhanced liquid then being transmitted to the
`remote location 28 where the outpouring of a delicious
`carbonated or non-carbonated flavored drink from the sys
`tem is received for enjoyment by an end user/consumer.
`0059. As presently envisioned, in operation, a system
`operator, presently preferably, could choose different flavors
`or different enhancements for the liquid, presently prefer
`ably, filtered water each and every time, or just plain
`refreshing great tasting filtered water, although filtered water
`is not absolutely required, according to the present disclo
`Sure. The liquid enhancing transferring mechanism of the
`present disclosure can Supply at least two desirable liquid/
`water qualities, one, that is good to the taste, and one, that
`is more aggressive, capable of rapidly dissolving organic
`flavors, powdered vitamins & minerals or any other similar
`material capable of being dissolved in liquids/water and that
`result in a desirable enhanced consumable liquid/water end
`product.
`0060. The liquid enhancing ingredient transferring
`mechanism 20 of the present disclosure may optionally
`comprise a Suitable device, Such as, for example, a structure
`capable of microbial reduction (viruses and bacteria
`removal) to provide very high quality liquid/water for
`enhancement by the ingredient transferring mechanism
`according to the present disclosure.
`0061 As illustrated in FIGS. 5-13, complete representa
`tive systems of the ingredient transferring mechanism 20,
`according to the present disclosure, are Sufficiently compact
`to easily fit under a kitchen or bathroom sink, be installed
`internal to a refrigerator or be installed as part of a stand
`alone water cooler or in other suitable locations, as could be
`imagined by those skilled in the art. The liquid enhancing
`ingredient transferring mechanism 20 receiving access
`structure 30, Such as, for example, a slot may be conve
`niently located next to the dispensing faucet above the sink,
`as shown in FIGS. 5-6.
`
`

`

`US 2007/0012719 A1
`
`Jan. 18, 2007
`
`0062 One representative ingredient transfer device 32 or
`media containing product structure could contain one drink
`pre-measured or, if possible, two or more up to the physical
`capacity of the media contained within the representative
`media containing product structure 32. Each media contain
`ing product structure 32 could be operatively connected,
`electronically, mechanically or in any operative manner, to
`communicate to a liquid delivery system 50 indicating the
`volume of liquid to be dispensed. Flavor intensity can be
`readily varied based on the dispensed volume. The liquid
`delivery system 50 can be modified to deliver chilled
`liquid/water. A hot water dispensing capability can also
`augment the capability of the liquid delivery system for
`dissolving nutraceuticals at a faster rate. One clear advan
`tage of the systems and methods of the present disclosure is
`that medicines that are normally mixed with water and drunk
`hot or cold could now be dispensed nearly instantly, see FIG.
`13. Representative liquid delivery systems 50 of the preset
`disclosure would, presently preferably, monitor both the
`number of dispenses and the amount of filter liquid/water
`but other representative liquid delivery system of the present
`disclosure could adequately function without these control
`features.
`0063 As should be evident, the product access structure
`30 receptor or slot would be adapted to be capable of
`opening a protective means or structure. Such as, for
`example, a sealed protective pouch surrounding the product
`structure, as necessary, directing the liquid/water flow
`through the impregnated media, presently preferably, porous
`through either a gravity flow or pressurized system. The
`liquid delivery systems of the present disclosure flushes
`(purges) the liquid/water line and delivery structure, such as,
`for example, a faucet at the end of each enhanced liquid or
`product dispensed. The purged liquid/water can either be the
`last volume dispensed into a cup or ejected to a drain. Once
`the product structure is used, the product structure can be
`removed either manually or automatically discarded into a
`waste receptacle from the liquid delivery access structure or
`slot 30 and another liquid enhancing ingredient transferring
`mechanism inserted, or it can be automatically discarded
`into a waste receptacle. The waste receptacle would be
`periodically emptied and replaced, as appropriate. The dis
`pensing device would be capable of dispensing measured
`amounts of liquid/water from a selector panel, as well as,
`hot, chilled or ambient liquid/water, as would be understood
`by those skilled in the art.
`0064 One representative media element 33, see FIGS. 3
`and 4, believed usable with the systems and metho